The Sky is Falling or Is It? Dissection of the Gulf of Mexico “Macondo” Oil Spill

10.1163/9789004202320_007

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Chapter Summary

The author believes that there is substantial ground on which to consider and measure spill impact and the future of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and its coastal communities. The full impact of this blowout has not been measured, only speculated, and the history of oil spills suggests that the GoM survives as a productive ecosystem and economic engine. Oil in the GoM has been entering for as long as the Gulf has existed through natural seepage, marine shipping disasters and operations, oil/gas production and with some other process. The development of deepwater drilling technology must give equal attention to prevention and response technology as well as to the drilling and production technology. The GoM society is better served by the GoM Foundation working with industry to improve the environment and economy. The oil and gas industry has always been supportive with financial support, and human energy and intellect.